Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 2: The Kankanady city police have arrested an inter-district bike thief who targeted bikes parked at fairs, Kambala events, malls, bus stands, and railway stations. The accused, identified as Manikantha Gowda K (24) from Soraba in Shivamogga district, had stolen over 20 two-wheelers, which have now been recovered by the police.

Three others who purchased stolen bikes from Manikantha, Satish Bangera from Karkala, Deekshith from Moodbidri, and Sanganna Honnalli from Talikote, were also arrested. Cases were filed against them for buying and selling vehicles without proper documentation.

Manikantha had stolen bikes not only within Mangaluru city and various parts of Dakshina Kannada but also in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts. Several stolen bikes were found hidden in Moodbidri.

A mechanic by profession, Manikantha used his skills to deftly remove the ignition socket plug, allowing him to steal bikes within seconds. His preferred targets were Hero Honda Splendor bikes, known for their resale value, as well as Activa scooters. The stolen bikes were then sold at low prices.

Originally from Soraba, Manikantha had been living with his family in Moodbidri for the past three to four years. Police uncovered 20 bike theft cases involving him, 15 cases in the jurisdictions of Bunder, Pandeshwar, Bajpe, Mulki, Ullal, and Kankanady city police stations in Mangaluru, and five cases under Bantwal Town, Bantwal Rural, and Uppinangady police stations.

The police tracked the bike theft case registered at Kankanady city police station and successfully apprehended the accused. All four accused were produced before the court, where the judge remanded them to judicial custody.